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Frustrated Hawks aim to start playoff push against Clippers



The Atlanta Hawks’ roller-coaster season has them in a precarious position as the No. 10 team in the Eastern Conference, the final spot for the play-in tournament.

The team is hoping a three-game homestand sparks a late run reminiscent of last season, when the Hawks reached the conference finals. The Hawks play five of their next six games at home, starting Friday against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Hawks dropped their second straight game on Wednesday despite another strong outing from Trae Young, who had 27 points and 11 assists in 124-115 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Atlanta had few answers for Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who recorded 43 points and 12 rebounds. The team’s frustration boiled over when Hawks coach Nate McMillan was ejected with 1:22 remaining.

“This season has felt like we are constantly fighting an uphill battle,” Atlanta guard Kevin Huerter said. “Mentally, it’s felt like it’s been an uphill battle all year. We haven’t had the chance to get comfortable. Everything has just been fighting uphill. We win seven games in a row, we get back to around .500 and yet can’t get over the hump. That battle all year has been a grind. It’s felt like a grind.”

The same could be said for the Clippers, who are two games over .500 while hoping stars Kawhi Leonard (ACL) and Paul George (elbow) can return for the postseason.

Los Angeles snapped a two-game losing skid on Wednesday with Reggie Jackson leading the charge in a 115-109 victory over the Washington Wizards.

Jackson had 31 points and seven assists in 39 minutes for the Clippers, while Marcus Morris Sr. added 27 points and Luke Kennard had 19.

Los Angeles is looking to sweep the season series against Atlanta after posting a 106-93 victory on Jan. 9.